And now Barcelona legend Xavi believes the Portuguese will go back to his ugly old ways with his back against the wall ahead of a showdown with old foe Pep Guardiola in tonight’s League Cup clash at Old Trafford (9pm).

The 2010 World Cup winner says: “Sometimes, when things don’t go well for Mourinho, he wants war not football – like at Madrid – and I hope we don’t see that again.”

Mourinho and Guardiola’s rivalry turned toxic in Spain when the Special One fell behind.

Pep is already 1-0 up in their head-to-heads in the English game.

Midfielder Xavi adds: “Both coaches are going to want to win this game

“I don’t believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.

“Pep will also want to win his first competition with City, that will be important for him.

“The domestic competitions have to be everything for United and Mourinho this season. I don’t think this season they can win the Premier League. These competitions are their hope for a trophy.

“Once Mourinho has had another transfer window, maybe they’ll be ready, but for now they must secure a finish in a Champions Leauge spot – that’s where United belong.”

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